Lates microlepis Boulenger, 1898
Forktail lates
Lates microlepis
photo by de Vos, L.

Family:  Latidae (Lates perches)
Max. size:  93 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 8,300.0 g
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater,
Distribution:  Africa: widely distributed in Lake Tanganyika (Ref. 36901) and present in the Malagarasi River delta (Ref. 54847).
Diagnosis:  Caudal fin emarginate in juveniles.
Biology:  Juveniles live in a specific inshore habitat until they reach 18 cm, thereafter it lives in the superficial pelagic zone; exclusively pelagic predator, feeding on clupeids and to a lesser extent on Luciolates; highly susceptible to intensive fishing (Ref. 2216). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Juveniles often found near river mouths, but not in the rivers (Ref. 36901). Also caught using handlines (Ref. 4967).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (A2bcd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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